Initiative works to improve healthcare access, outcomes, wellness for farmers

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2024) – Officials from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and  Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) announced Monday the launch of the Farmer Care Initiative aimed at improving healthcare access, outcomes, and overall wellness for rural farmers in central and eastern Kentucky.

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and ARH President and CEO Hollie Harris formalized the partnership with a proclamation signing during a Farmer Care Initiative event at Barbourville ARH Hospital.

The collaboration, the first healthcare partnership with KDA’s subagency Raising Hope, underscores a mutual commitment by state and regional healthcare leadership to promote high-quality healthcare and safety resources for Kentucky’s agricultural community by prioritizing accessibility and education. 

“I am proud to welcome the agricultural community to the ARH family through this new partnership with KDA and Raising Hope,” said ARH President and CEO Hollie Harris. “By increasing rural access to high-quality care with preventive screenings, mental health services, and health education, we are truly living our mission to improve health and promote the well-being of all people in partnership with our communities. We look forward to helping farmers and farm families progress on their health journeys across the Commonwealth.”

As part of Raising Hope, the Farmer Care Initiative will bring health services tailored to the unique healthcare needs of the farming community directly to rural areas through a network of mobile care events and programming aligned with health observance months. Additionally, ARH will provide mental health access and support as well as medical support from ARH physician Dr. Christopher Yost, who has an internal medicine clinic in Lexington.

Shell said he is excited to partner with ARH as they work together to support Kentucky’s agricultural communities.

"Kentucky’s farmers work tirelessly to put food on our tables, often facing unique health challenges and risks as they do so. The Farmer Care Initiative is a vital step in ensuring they get the quality healthcare, mental health resources, and support they deserve,” Commissioner Shell said. “We are thrilled to partner with Appalachian Regional Healthcare to bring these services closer to our rural communities, improving access and outcomes. This initiative reflects our commitment to the well-being of our agricultural communities, and I’m excited to see the positive impact it will have on Kentucky farmers and their families."

This collaboration marks a significant step forward by defining an inaugural healthcare partner for KDA and Raising Hope with essential resources that may help rural farmers thrive. Through dedicated initiatives, like the Farmer Care Initiative, KDA and ARH are building a lasting solution for the health and safety of Kentucky farmers and the foundation for a healthier, safer agricultural community.

The Farmer Care Initiative grew out of the Food is Medicine campaign between KDA and the Kentucky Hospital Association as ARH has welcomed the opportunity to care for the farmers who fuel the food system in the region while also advancing opportunities for those working in the agricultural economies of Kentucky.

The Food is Medicine campaign focuses on the power of nutritious food and its connection to healthier living while promoting access to locally grown, healthful food options. 

To further promote local agriculture, the event featured the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, which will partner with ARH and Sodexo to launch the ARH Signature Burger. The burger reflects the state’s rich farming heritage by featuring the locally sourced Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef and the commitments of KDA and ARH to support Kentucky producers.

As the goal of Food is Medicine is to increase access to locally grown, healthful food options for both patients and area residents, guests at the Farmer Care Initiative event dined on locally produced food, including the new ARH Signature Burger, created in partnership with ARH, the Kentucky Cattleman’s Association and Sodexo.